Test Benchwork Project - Reference Help

[donhalshanks]

Thanks Andrew. I think the article did include the DPDT switch , which you remind me would be a plus. Maybe someone still will come up with the article.

[Anonymous]

I recall something along those lines with the last year or so. It was a short section of track (maybe 2 or three sectional, or one flex), with a coupler gauge at one end, and a "ruler" along one edge that converted length to recommended NMRA weight.

The weigh station was a separate scale (postal/kitchen?). I don't remember anything about an incline, but if you put your track on a section of 1/2" ply or similar, you could always cut blocks that would raise it by specific amounts - say 1/2% steps.

One of the handiest connections you could have is a DPDT centre-off switch that would allow you to connect your DCC system and flip between run and programming track. That way you do not have to remove the loco to check if any programming took effect.

Andrew

[donhalshanks]

In last couple years, there was an article published in a model RR mag which showed how to build an all inclusive test track near a layout. As I recall, it included a track for programmming DDC locos, an incline track for testing rolling stock wheels, coupler height guage, wheel guage, and a weighing station to get rolling stock weighted correctly. After all the tests, then engines or rolling stock are ready for the main layout.

Can anyone direct me to that article? I seem to come up empty using the mag index search at this site. I thought it was in an MR issue.